A/N: So the inspiration behind this chapter is Jack Garratt's Surprise Yourself. Hope you guys love this one!

I own no one else but Zariah and her family; not including Daniel Bryan.

:)


03rd September 2012, Monday – Chicago, Illinois

I'm shaking alright, as I stand at the front door of the Executive Vice President of Talent, Paul Levesque – also known better as Triple H. This is by far the most anxious I've ever been all my life… Even when I first step foot into the arena for the first time, it wasn't this nerve-racking. Last week, I've contacted Mark Carrano about this meeting. I wanted to see him only about my status in the company; but I was informed earlier today that Paul will be joining the meeting as well.

What's worst was that, Carrano ended the call by saying, it's no big deal; when it is a big deal. A very very very big one indeed Carrano, I sigh aloud.

I continue pacing back and forth, waiting for my own guts to eventually knock on the door. I arrived 2 hours earlier to the arena just for this… All alone, dressed averagely in t-shirt and jeans, just trying to be chill but failing miserably. Looking at the bright side, at least it's only my heart that's almost thumping out of my chest. I'm not sweating much, or at all, for someone as anxious as the same 15-year-old girl opening up the letter from Stanford University to find out if she's accepted into the prestigious institution or not.

That was 7 years ago though, I'm 22 now. I'm an adult, technically. Checking my watch again, I'm a couple of minutes away before the promised meeting time. I have to do this, I tell myself and take deep breaths to calm my nerves. After one last inhalation, I knocked on the door – unfalteringly.

"Come in."

I heard Paul's response and I take a gulp of my own saliva. I can do this; I remind myself again as I grip tightly on the doorknob. Finding the courage to turn it, I then walk into the room in my pair of combat boots. The last time I've ever had this meeting with Paul was on my very first night as part of the WWE roster. That went well, now though… I'm not so sure.

We exchange greetings and I shake his hand before taking a seat across of him. Carrano sat next to Paul in the small office, updating him in detailed of my concerns. I listen in closely, making sure he didn't put any words in my mouth. I need the matter to be told as it is and in an accurate explanation as what I've told Carrano, over the phone.

"I see…" Paul begin, once Carrano is done. "You have been working as an official for 6 months. Is it the pay that you're worried about?"

"No, that's not my main concern. Frankly, I'd want to be utilize accordingly based on what I have been trained for in FCW. I was initially promised a storyline with one of a widely recognized female wrestler, and now that she's not here, I'm really trying to figure out when can I compete as a wrestler, how will my transition be and there's a lot more that's on my mind actually."

I clear the doubts regarding the pay. While the pay has been sufficient, it's about my own expectations and what I seek from my career. To be an official during my entire time in this company is a definite no for me. I've trained harder than anyone else right from the get-go, I couldn't simply be used as an official right here. I need every ounce of my hard work to pay off someday and I need to be certain of that.

"So what exactly are you trying to get from this meeting?" Paul questioned, calmly.

"I'm seeking a renegotiation of contract."

I noticed how Carrano's expression changed, just as swift as Paul's did. In spite of seeing so, I maintain my composure. I'm doing this for myself and to give myself the reassurance I needed. At least I did make an attempt to change my current situation instead of letting it be as it is.

The silence went on for close to a minute. Carrano and Paul sat back, whispering quietly regarding my request. All I heard was soft mumbling as I wait, less anxious than I was before. I've said it anyway; I don't see the point of being scared now.

"Alright. I'll tell you what," Paul started, which makes me meet his gaze. "For now, you get back to work and do what you're doing. Because it's great work, even though you're unsatisfied with it. I promise you, I'll take care of this and Carrano will get back to you as soon as I've got some news."

Hearing so, I'm a bit relief. I didn't get an immediate response, which meant that they are taking into consideration of my request. I show him a nod, not wanting to say more after blurting my point out loud and proud. Saying my goodbyes to both man, I then walk out of the office feeling a lighter weight on my shoulders. It may have been the longest 15-minute of my life in that room but I'm proud as to how I didn't pass out in there. I'm a 22-year-old handling her own life, without needing a manager to do the talking for me.

For that, I should be proud for doing this – for myself.


"Are you out of your mind?"

I'm on my way to meet Bryan at the car when I met him half-way. Or better yet, when he came out of nowhere to bawl at my face. Taken by surprise, my mouth open but nothing comes out. I'm not even sure what Bryan is talking about since I have not seen him for the entire day, till now. I did tell him I'd get to the arena on my own though, and omitted the particular detail about meeting Paul and Carrano regarding my contract with WWE.

"I'm going to need more information Bryan…" I replied, once I've found the right words.

"More information? I should be the one to ask you for it since you've gone behind my back for a meeting about your contract without telling me about it. Are you insane? Are you trying to get yourself out of here?"

"Woah, woah, woah. Stop right there,"

If I didn't know any better, I believe that he's mad because I didn't seek his permission to go forward with this meeting. His permission, I repeat. I'm in shock as to how Bryan thinks that it's vital for me to do everything in my life according to his consent. It may have been so when I was younger; just a 16-year-old who vies to watch her cousin perform – but not anymore.

I've grown since then and I'm very much capable of making more decisions on my own now.

"For starters, I don't need your permission. This is my life, my career and I know who to go to for advice, who to meet when I'm not satisfied with my work and I certainly know when to find my cousin when I need one. Now, I'd rather not be with him if he thinks that he has the right to dictate whatever I do in my life."

With no interest to hear what else Bryan have to say, or yell at my face; I turn back to the arena to find AJ. Luckily, she has yet to leave for the next city when I was on my way out of the locker room. I could drive with her instead; to Moline, Illinois.

Even though it's only a 3-hour ride, I couldn't stand to be anywhere near Bryan right now. He was supposed to be the adult here yet he's being irrational. Walking right up to my face out of nowhere and just broadcasting his unhappiness to me, I don't want to deal with him like that.

Honestly, that's not how I'd want to deal with anything at all. For now, I think it's best to leave Bryan on his own and calm himself down before we'll talk.


08th September 2012, Saturday – Melbourne, Australia

For 5 days, I've not contacted Bryan at all. Even if I were to see him across the room, I'd walk out right away. Not that I'm trying to be insolent to the man that I grew up with and respect so much but Bryan crossed the line. He doesn't deserve the rights to determine my life as he likes or wishes. I've learnt over the years since I joined the company, if he hadn't noticed. Hence why I didn't seek his input or involvement to be in this matter, whatsoever.

Right now, I'm just hanging around at the catering after a long night out there in the ring. The crowd was hyped, as usual but even their excitement couldn't take my mind off this issue I have with Bryan. As much as I'd hate to be in this situation with my cousin, I don't want to be the one to apologize to him. None of it is my fault and I still want him to know that it's not fine for him to do it – ever again.

"You alright there?" Claudio – also known as Antonio Cesaro – questioned as he takes a seat next to me.

"Yeah…" I dragged on, before meeting his stern expression. "Nah…"

I can't lie to him. He's one of the good friends that I've known for nearly 5 years – from ROH. Considering how close he is to Bryan though, I think of him almost like a brother-like figure than a friend to me. He knows me well enough to know when I'm lying, so…

"Why aren't you speaking to Bryan?" He dives straight into the topic. "Seems pretty serious."

He continued before taking a bite of his meal. Claudio had his match earlier on and clearly he has showered too, assuming from the fresh scent. In comparison to me, who's slumping at catering after officiating an intense 10-minute match. Also, I succeeded fleeing away from Bryan which was a tough obstacle; given that it was an empty hallway and he was alone.

"It's kind of serious… Hence, the silent treatment."

I replied, not knowing if I should reveal the real reason behind our argument. There are people around here and the last thing I want is for everyone to know about my personal matters. This is between Bryan and I; and I don't want it to escalate further than it already is at the moment.

Not talking to Bryan for 5 days is quite excruciating. Especially since I don't have anyone close with here besides him, Vic, AJ and Claudio. I can't spend more of my time ranting to AJ or Vic, they also have a life to live. Claudio, he's a friend of mine but also Bryan's. I don't really believe that he could keep whatever I say to himself; particularly if he knows he could make the matter better by being the middle person.

Don't get me wrong, Claudio is a great man. He cares about people and never fails in giving wise advises to those in need. He's such a nice person that I know I can't even blame him for trying to fix my matter with Bryan – indirectly. In fact, I'd the one to feel bad if I were to scold him or tell him off for helping.

"Nothing's worth to fight with your cousin and gives him the silent treatment kid, trust me."

"I know that… But it's more than just about my contract okay?" He turns to look at me, in the middle of chewing his food. "Bryan needs to learn to trust me."

This time, Claudio didn't say anything in response. Instead he grabs a napkin next to his plate to wipe his spotless mouth and takes hold of his plate. I could tell that his next move would be to get up from his seat, which only piques my confusion.

"Where are you," My sentence was however cut halfway by him.

"Why don't you tell him that for yourself kid."

Claudio didn't even spare a second for me to say another word before I turn to look over my shoulder. Without Claudio nodding his head to the figure behind me, I'd already figured that Bryan's standing there. I knew it, I thought to myself. Even without trying, the man is helping me to resolve this matter with Bryan earlier than I expected.

"Can we talk?" Bryan requested, his tone softer than the last time he spoke to me. "Somewhere else."


It took me a while but I manage to soothe my anger towards him. On top of anger, there's also a tinge of disappointment. To know that Bryan have yet to trust me in handling my own agreements and negotiations with other parties; mainly WWE.

If he has faith in his girlfriend, why not me – his cousin that he grew up with?

Now that we're at the parking lot, secluded from anyone from anyone affiliated to WWE, I cross my arms as I stand in front of Bryan. He's the one to lead the way here and I lean back to someone's vehicle. Despite my closed-off body language, I'm ready to hear what he has to say. As his cousin, I know how Bryan can overstep his boundaries without realizing it at times. He only does so out of love and care though. I only hope that this time, he realized on his own as to how letting me make my own decision is what's best for the both of us.

"If you're still mad at me, I totally understand that. I know that I blasted you all of a sudden that night but I also want you to know the reason behind it." He paused. "I was concern, very, concern about your stand here in this company okay."

I knew it, a little voice in my head say. In reality, I remain quiet with crossed arms. Fixated at Bryan's apologetic expression, I show little emotion as I wait for him to continue on. I need much more explanation for what he barked at me the other night. To be honest, I'm 100% sure that I don't deserve that kind of yelling in public by my cousin. I'm at an age where I can think for myself and be responsible with my own choices.

"Look, I already have Brie out of here. I really don't want you to be next, okay. You're the only closest person I have here and I'm proud of you, no matter what you do. Ria, I just,"

"No. Okay, I'm not proud or happy with whatever I'm doing right now."

I stated clearly to him, though not loud enough for anyone else to hear. Bryan deserves to know as to how unhappy I've been with my position and unlike anyone else, I'm willing to make a move to change it. Just like the twins, I want to do something worthwhile to get my name out there for the world to hear. Then they can watch how competent I am in the ring against the likes of other female wrestlers in the wrestling industry at present.

"Bryan, I didn't approach you because I know you'd stop me from doing this. I know you wouldn't let me do something, anything at all to change my current situation. What I need is some support or words of encouragement to push me and make me believe that I'm good enough to be wrestling in that ring. Because at this point of time, I don't even know anymore. And whatever it is, ten years from now, I want to make sure that I can say that I choose my life and didn't settle for it."

For some time, Bryan stay quiet and so did I. I've said what I wanted to say and Bryan has heard what I've kept deep inside for as long as I could. My dilemma about being a WWE diva… I'm torn between the worlds of being a professional wrestler or a reality TV star in the eyes of the world. It's rightfully the hardest decision for me, even difficult between choosing Stanford and WWE; when I was 18.

"Come here." He pulls me into a tight hug. "I'm sorry okay? I'm sorry for being an overbearing cousin instead of a supporter that you need more than ever."

He then releases his hold on me, placing both hands on my shoulders instead. Bryan look me directly in the eyes, and I noticed how he's holding back the tears. I've never seen him cry face-to-face before and now that this is happening, I'm not so sure what to do. He's on the verge of tears because of me. I'm the reason that Bryan is close to shed tears this time.

"I promise you this, I'll never force you into anything that you're not passionate of. And if you ever need anything, I'll guide you there however I can. I'll never urge for you to do anything from now onwards, okay."

Without saying anything, I nod my head in silence. I have no words to reply to what he swore by… I'm in awe to everything that Bryan just said, to be honest. With a small smile creeping on my face, I'm the one to pull him for a hug this time.

A year ago, I could never imagine Bryan saying any of these things. Instead I could possibly envision myself being the one to look for him and apologized, for the sake of our relationship. I know if it wasn't for Brie, Bryan wouldn't be who he is at this moment. She changed him for the better. While he's still the compassionate person that he is, Bryan is more conscious whether or not his actions are justifiable or not.

This time, I'm sure with Brie's advice, Bryan had calm down to think through what he said to me. While it wasn't wrong for him to care for me, he did cross the line when he tried to stop me from living my own life. I need to make these choices on my own for me to move forward in life. And now, at least I could be relief that Bryan finally comprehended that.